Prince Adegboyega Hanifata Olowu has advised the Ogun State Government to refrain from interfering in the selection process of the Awujale of Ijebuland, describing it as a strictly traditional matter.

The Olori Ebi of Keregbetu of Ijebuland, Prince Adegboyega Hanifata Olowu, warned that political interference in the revered traditional institution could lead to unrest and chaos in Ijebuland.

Speaking with members of the Ijebu Elites Club of Ogun State in his office in Ijebu Ode on Monday, Prince Olowu stressed that Obaship succession is fundamentally a traditional affair and should not be politicised.

He expressed concern over what he described as the increasing politicisation of the selection of traditional rulers, warning that government interference in matters historically determined through Ifa oracle consultations could erode cultural authenticity and destabilise communities.

According to him, the typical Ijebu Ode royal structure comprises four ruling houses already gazetted by the government, most of which are connected to the Keregbetu lineage through intermarriages with other noble families such as Aromolade, Osinusi, Odutola, Anifata Olowu, Arigbabu, Adesoye, and Arowolo. He added that, as the head of the family, he is deeply concerned about the current developments surrounding the Awujale selection.

Olowu emphasised that all processes relating to the selection of the Awujale should remain strictly traditional and free from political influence, noting that Ijebu Ode is a unique community with well-established customs.

He further stated that the Awujale stool is an institution in its own right, stressing that the late Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona was a custodian of the institution and not the institution itself.

Recalling historical events, Olowu explained that before Oba Adetona ascended the throne, the Ifa oracle was consulted and Baba Barber was initially selected as a candidate. However, prominent Ijebu elites at the time, including Pa Odutola, Chief Okunowo, Pa Shonibare, and others, consulted Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who reportedly advised against selecting an illiterate monarch, citing the educated Ooni of Ife, Oba Adesoji Aderemi, who later became Governor-General of the Western Region.

He said Baba Barber was eventually dropped because neither he nor his sons were educated. His junior brother, Baba Rufai, was also considered but ruled out for the same reason.

According to Olowu, the Ijebu Ode elites eventually settled for Baba Barber’s son, Oba Sikiru Adetona, who had only left for overseas studies about six months earlier at the time.

In conclusion, Prince Olowu urged the Ogun State Government to respect traditional hierarchies in Ijebuland, warning that interference in the appointment of revered monarchs could trigger unnecessary tensions.

He also prayed for peace and prosperity in Ijebuland, Ogun State, and Nigeria as a whole.